Kansas City Royals secure broadcasting deal with Diamond Sports Group

In Kansas City, Missouri, on December 3, 2024, the Kansas City Royals announced they have finalized an agreement with Diamond Sports Group for the continuation of their game broadcasts in the upcoming season. This agreement comes at a crucial time for the Royals, who are one of four Major League Baseball teams that own part of their regional sports network. The newly forged contract allows fans access to Royals games on the FanDuel Sports Network Kansas City, reflecting a significant shift in broadcasting rights previously managed by Bally. FanDuel recently acquired the naming rights for Diamond’s 16 regional sports networks, suggesting a new era in how sports programming is marketed and accessed. This agreement follows a previous season where the Royals and Diamond offered a streaming package that attracted over 40,000 subscribers, indicating a tangible demand for accessible sports broadcasting. The deal comes amid Diamond Sports Group's recent restructuring after bankruptcy, and the organization is in the process of stabilizing its partnerships within Major League Baseball. Additionally, alongside the Royals, Diamond Sports Group’s broadcasting rights extend to six other Major League Baseball teams—the Atlanta Braves, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Angels, Miami Marlins, St. Louis Cardinals, and Tampa Bay Rays, emphasizing a strategic consolidation of rights holders amidst a changing broadcasting landscape. The Texas Rangers, who were previously partners with Diamond, have opted out of renewal, showcasing a shifting dynamic within team and broadcasting relationships. Moving forward, this agreement signifies the Royals’ commitment to ensuring that their games remain available to their fanbase through reliable channels, in an evolving industry that is rapidly adapting to new technological possibilities in how fans consume sports.